Congrats To The English..

[Andy Mellon]

Originally Posted by Murali

Our fielding that was once a pride of ours has deteriorated beyond belief. I could say in almost 20 years of watching cricket, that this was the worst NZ fielding team I have seen.

I quite agree with that. Disappointingly, fielders who are generally fairly reliable (Franklin, Vettori & Taylor) have made several quite embarrassing mistakes. Taylor, I can understand it somewhat - the pressure may be getting to him in the field with his lack of experience (no excuse, but at least a little understandable). Franklin and Vettori have no excuse or explanation that holds water. Back to practise for you guys!

On the other hand, Oram has looked exceptional in the field. Possibly the best fielder on show, given that Symonds made a couple of howlers (ball through the legs) in the last game he played in. Vincent also brings a good level of intensity and commitment to the field, Fleming has been solid as always.

Regarding Chris Harris - I know quite a few people who would agree with what you have to say

[Murali]

On the subject of Franklin, he has dropped two crucial catches. One that ruined our chances of victory and the other that ruined our chances of a bonus point. He has made too many misfields that is leaking as many runs as he makes with the bat! I dont know why Bracewell is perservering with him. I would replace him with Andre Adams. Yes, he can be a bit inconsistant but at least his bowling is attacking and does try to get wickets. His batting is on an even par except he may be the better six hitter and is a definate better fieldsman.

I agree with you about Ross Taylors fielding and will get better as he goes along in his career. Daniel Vettori on the other hand is amazing. I get the feeling he has a few things on his mind right now. Fulton is another culprit. His dropped catch cost Bond a 5 wicket bag and possibly the game.

Harris should have been given a go earlier this season to get back into the groove of international cricket. He would have been a good influence on some of the younger players. There are many players in this NZ team that are better batsmen and bowlers than what he was yet they have not applied themselves like he has in the past. His will to never give up was infecteous to the team. Shame Bracewell has other ideas.

[Andy Mellon]

Personally, I think Franklin's been playing above par for him. He's taken some key wickets and the left arm over does provide a useful counterpoint to Bond. He's also managed to dispose of some of those 'erratic' demons he's suffered with and found a consistent line and length in some games. His fielding, however, has been woeful - tragic even.

Adams should have played more games for NZ, he's one of those people capable of winning games on his own with a couple of big sixes, a spectacular catch or a surprising wicket. I think he's been a victim of Bracewell's selection strategies in that 'his face doesn't fit'. A similar player who should have played a few more times for NZ was Tama Canning. Bracewell would much rather select Hamish or James Marshall

What do you think about Fleming opening? I'd much rather see him down at three, Taylor at 4 etc. Trouble is, New Zealand have not a single international class opener at the moment. Vincent is only a makeshift opener, and I certainly wouldn't want How, Papps or Bell opening in a ODI! Even looking around domestic cricket, there seem to be no sensible options available - though there are a good number of middle-order players around at the moment who should be challenging. As always, Jesse Ryder is up there and I've been impressed by Brandon Hiini this year. Looks to have something.

[Murali]

I suppose you are right about Franklin. I am worried that one day Bond may not play for ages due to injury and Franklin will not be as effective. He wont ever be a match winner unless its on a greentop.

It is a shame that Bracewell has favored the Marshall twins for so long. Yes Hamish is a great fielder and can save 20 runs each game but you cannot select a batsmen that does not bowl and cannot reach double figures with the bat. Its a shame as Hamish at one stage was a great player for us. I dont know where he went wrong. Stuffing up the Hussey run out was the last straw. Bracewell sadly has some selection blunders. His handling of Ian Butler is proof of that.

I dont think Flemming should be opening the batting either. He should be batting at 4. Unfortunatley there are no genuine openers in NZ right now. Papps and How are not international standard. Fulton might be a good choice but he has to sort out his shot selection. I have not seen Jesse Ryder play so I cannot judge.

I dont know who else assists Bracewell with the coaching but maybe there needs to be a cleanout of coaching staff.

[Andy Mellon]

Originally Posted by Murali

It is a shame that Bracewell has favored the Marshall twins for so long.
His handling of Ian Butler is proof of that.
I have not seen Jesse Ryder play so I cannot judge.

I dont know who else assists Bracewell with the coaching but maybe there needs to be a cleanout of coaching staff.

Hamish Marshall is a real riches to rags story. He started in test cricket so well (like so many Kiwis) but now is only any use as a full time 12th Man...

Ian Butler - well, its good to have seen him back bowling for Northerns this year. Doesn't look quite so fast, but he still seems to have a few of those tricks up his sleeve. We've seen Iain O'Brien come back in the reckoning before, so maybe Butler can make a phoenix-like comeback.

Jesse Ryder - great batsman. Not many Kiwis average over 40 in first class cricket and he also bowls some useful 'McMillan' style right-armers. Bracewell (and other coaches from what I hear) don't like his attitude and I've heard claims that I cannot substantiate that he likes a drink a bit more than the coaches like him to.

Do you get to watch much domestic cricket up North? I was at the Basin on Waitangi day watch the 'Aces' give the 'Firebirds' a sound beating. Interesting to see a Zimbabwean playing for Auckland - Colin de Grandhomme. Looked a bit scratchy, but surely good enough to be playing for Zimbabwe!?!

[Murali]

Ian Butler may still be getting his confidence back. Unfortunatley Bracewell is not a fan of his. Butler apparently had an attitude problem. Who knows maybe its Bracewell that has the problem. We could have had a long term fast bowler and a new ball attack that bowls in the mid 140s. Instead we have not settled on a consistant bowling line up since Bracewell has taken over. I am not even goen to comment on Ian O'Brien!

Ryder has an attitude problem? Maybe NZ Cricket has the problem. Is there support staff to ensure that good players keep head above water and not get too fascinated with alcohol? I imagine not. People with problems need help instead of being labelled.

I dont watch much domestic cricket due to the fact that my girlfriend hates the game so I have to watch what I can really! I dont think the Zimbabwe cricketer you mention would want to play for Zimbabwe considering the crisis going on there right now. There are a few African cricketers coming through the system though and it wont be long before this Black Caps team has a fair few in the side.

[Andy Mellon]

NZ don't have a great track record of looking after difficult characters, do they? Richard Hadlee had mental problems after he retired, Chris Cairns and Parore were badly managed at various times and Bracewell has to be the most biased coach in the history of the game. Butler was/is a real talent, but his problems really come down to a lack of strength training at the grass roots. I don't think its a coincidence that any Kiwi fast bowler breaks down so often across a career - Chris Cairns, Dion Nash, Shayne O'Connor, Ian Butler, Darryl Tuffey and Shane Bond. Even now, young quicks like Richard Sherlock seem to spend more time at the physio than on the pitch! NZC really need to invest some money in a young bowler conditioning unit.

[Murali]

Apparently there was something on the news that NZC had diagnosed Tuffeys injury wrong and that attributed to him being on the sidelines as long as he has. I dont have the confidence in our physio right now. I dont know how much money NZC has to afford good physios and strength and conditioning coaches. The foundations of a good team is always good administration and i dont feel the administration of NZC is up to scratch. It may be due to lack of funding. I cant say I know the total answer. Unfortunatley NZ will more often than not be a mediocre cricket nation mostly beacause this country basically only cares about rugby.